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Rockslide (character)

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Rockslide
Rockslide
Art by Chris Bachalo
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceNew Mutants vol. 2, #3 (September 2003)
Created byNunzio DeFilippis
Christina Weir
Carlo Barberi
In-story information
Alter egoSanto Vaccarro
SpeciesHuman Mutant
Team affiliationsHellions training squad
New X-Men
Xavier Institute
X-Men-In-Training
Young X-Men
Jean Grey School Students
AbilitiesSuperhuman strength, durability and endurance
Ability to transform into a "golem" form by assimilating surrounding rock and earth into a gestalt shell and explosively detonate the shell and reform at will

Rockslide (Santo Vaccarro) is a fictional mutant superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character has been depicted as a member of the X-Men,a student in the Xavier Institute, and a member of the former Hellions squad therein. After M-Day, he was one of only 28 students to retain his powers. He is best friends with Julian Keller (Hellion) and is extremely close to and protective of Cessily Kincaid (Mercury). Despite his earlier appearances as a stereotypical school bully, he has evolved into a good-natured (though extremely boastful) and fiercely protective friend to most of the school's students.

Publication history

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Rockslide first appeared in New Mutants vol. 2 #3, and was created by Nunzio DeFilippis, Christina Weir, and Carlo Barberi.[1]

Rockslide was killed during the 2020 event X of Swords and returned in 2024, near the end of the Krakoan Age.[2][3] In a 2024 interview with AIPT, X-Men editor Jordan D. White stated that he originally intended for Glob Herman to be killed. However, writer Ed Brisson objected to Herman's death, so White chose for Rockslide to die instead.[4]

Fictional character biography

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An Italian-American mutant from Boston, Santo Vaccarro attends the Xavier Institute, where he befriends roommate Julian Keller. He is originally advised by Iceman before being selected by Emma Frost to be part of her Hellions squad.[5]

During Rockslide's summer vacation, he and the Hellions encounter the Kingmaker, who temporarily grants each of them a wish. When the Hellions refuse to permanently accept Kingmaker's deal, Kingmaker shatters Rockslide's body with a laser blast before Julian reassembles him using his telekinesis.[6]

Decimation

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Rockslide is one of 198 mutants who retain their powers following M-Day, when the Scarlet Witch depowers most of Earth's mutants. The depowered students and staff are intended to be sent home, but William Stryker bombs their bus, killing Rockslide's friend Brian (Tag), among others. In the aftermath, Emma Frost has Rockslide and the other students compete to join the X-Men.[7]

World War Hulk

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During the "World War Hulk" event, Rockslide is one of the students who battle the Hulk when he attacks the institute. His limbs are ripped off and thrown far away, but are eventually recovered and returned to him.[8]

Krakoan Age

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During the Krakoan Age, Rockslide becomes a citizen of Krakoa, a living island that was established as a mutant nation.[9]

During the "X of Swords" storyline, Rockslide befriends the Summoner, a mutant from Arakko. However, Summoner betrays and kills Rockslide when he attempts to rescue Unus the Untouchable.[2][10] The Five attempt to resurrect Rockslide, but are unable to do so properly because he died in Otherworld.[11] Instead, the Five end up creating an amalgamation of Rockslide's alternate universe counterparts that is dubbed Wrongslide.[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Rockslide is later successfully resurrected, but is trapped in the White Hot Room before being freed.[3][19][4]

Powers and abilities

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Rockslide can assimilate nearby earth to transform into a rock-like form that gives him superhuman physical abilities. He can also reform himself if destroyed and release explosive blasts of energy.[20][21] Rockslide's appearance in his rock form depends on the material absorbed; for instance, he assumed a molten form after absorbing rock from Limbo.[22]

Rockslide in his Limbo rock form.

Personality

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Santo is typically depicted as superficially brash, oblivious, and inconsiderate. Originally, he was introduced as a stereotypical bully. However, he cares deeply for his friends, recalling the deaths of the depowered students, especially Tag, which usually motivates him to perform feats of incredible strength or bravery. He also has a strong sensitivity for his teammates, such as when Dust continued to "beat herself up" over the death of Icarus as well as recognizing that he is not supposed to see her without her abaya. He is very protective of his teammate Mercury. Santo also has a strong sense of honor, telling Anole and Pixie that he would quit the team if they were not included on the roster.

Other versions

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House of M

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An alternate universe variant of Rockslide who successfully became a wrestler appears in the "House of M" reality.[23]

In other media

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Rockslide makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in Wolverine and the X-Men as a captive of the Mutant Response Division.[24]

References

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  1. ^ DeFalco, Tom; Sanderson, Peter; Brevoort, Tom; Teitelbaum, Michael; Wallace, Daniel; Darling, Andrew; Forbeck, Matt; Cowsill, Alan; Bray, Adam (2019). The Marvel Encyclopedia. DK Publishing. p. 299. ISBN 978-1-4654-7890-0.
  2. ^ a b X of Swords: Creation one-shot (November 2020)
  3. ^ a b X-Men: Forever #4 (July 2024)
  4. ^ a b Hassan, Chris (April 22, 2024). "X-Men Monday #248 – Jordan D. White Discusses 'Fall of the House of X' #4". AIPT. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  5. ^ New X-Men: Academy X Yearbook (December 2005)
  6. ^ New X-Men: Hellions #1-4 (July–October 2005)
  7. ^ New X-Men (vol. 2) #23 (April 2006)
  8. ^ World War Hulk: X-Men #1 (August 2007)
  9. ^ House of X #6 (December 2019)
  10. ^ Sawan, Amer (September 29, 2020). "X-Men: X of Swords Cuts a Fan-Favorite New Mutant Down to Size". CBR. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  11. ^ Polo, Susana (October 1, 2020). "The X-Men can die again, but in the weirdest way possible". Polygon. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
  12. ^ X-Factor (vol. 4) #4 (November 2020)
  13. ^ Stone, Sam (October 4, 2020). "X of Swords Reveals Which X-Man Is Gone for Good". CBR. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  14. ^ Finley, Sean (October 5, 2020). "Marvel Just Killed Off a Fan-Favorite X-Men Mutant". Screen Rant. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  15. ^ Cassidy, Eve (October 9, 2020). "X-Men: Why Marvel's X of Swords Killed the Wrong New Mutant". CBR. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  16. ^ Yang, Paul (October 13, 2020). "X-Men: Marvel's Resurrection Problem Could Reframe a House of X Power". CBR. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  17. ^ Zachary, Brandon (October 14, 2020). "X-Men: Marvel's X of Swords Breaks the Promise of Krakoa". CBR. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  18. ^ Lealos, Shawn S. (December 14, 2020). "X-Men: X-Factor Answers X of Swords' Resurrection Mystery". CBR. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
  19. ^ Rise of the Powers of X #5 (July 2024)
  20. ^ New X-Men (vol. 2) #42 (November 2007)
  21. ^ Uncanny X-Men #542 (October 2011)
  22. ^ New X-Men (vol. 2) #40 (September 2007)
  23. ^ New X-Men (vol. 2) #16 (September 2005)
  24. ^ Viltus, Sharrisse (April 21, 2020). "The Beginner's Guide to the X-Men Characters". Book Riot. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
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